Urban renaissance in the North-East

Mar 31 2004 By Scott Munro, The Journal

Renaissance is a word which we normally associate with Italian painters and architects. So what has this to do with planning?

Often we associate the renaissance period with marvellous architectural attributes manifested in cities such as Florence - vibrant towns and cities where the architecture and "planning" of the city or town has contributed to its heritage, economy and social wellbeing.

It is precisely this theme which has been invoked in the 21st Century term "Urban Renaissance" - but what is it and what does it mean?

Well, firstly, it is not a concept confined to the shores of Britain, but worldwide.

Just as with the renaissance it is not restricted to paintings on canvas or the odd nice building, it is the regeneration of today's towns and cities.

"Urban Renaissance" is grand terminology. It conjures up a vision of rebirth and renewal of our cities that can seem at odds with the reality. Yet it is actually quite appropriate.

After all, the original renaissance was very much an urban phenomenon, emerging from the Italian city-states in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Urban Renaissance is about ensuring that we provide high quality places for people to live in. As the patricians of yesteryear said: no cities - no civilisation.

So how is this achieved? Architecture, sustainable development, community involvement and conservation methods are all factors that contribute to the successful regeneration of our cities.

Good architecture promotes a sense of wellbeing. It contributes to the appearance of an area, stimulating the street scene, providing impetus for further inward investment.

Such positive examples play a role in sustainable development, ensuring that development proposals meet the needs and aspirations of today without compromising the resources and needs of the future.

In essence, sustainable development should, amongst other things, promote the use of renewable resources, the recycling of derelict land, be sympathetic to the surrounding environment and reduce the reliance on the private motor vehicle.

Of course in order to protect our environment we are not just talking about the green field near our house.

We have fine examples of heritage conservation, such as Grainger Town in Newcastle which has sought to conserve existing buildings, introducing and sustaining uses to preserve their life span for the education of future generations.

Without the regeneration led initiatives being promoted in the North-East, our inner cities would fall into decay, damaging people's quality of life. It is important to reflect what people want in their area. If a community is excluded, how can we expect them to take "ownership" of development proposals and care for them? All these factors promote economic and social wellbeing.

The North-East is one of the most dynamic regions for regeneration in the UK and has delivered truly inspiring redevelopment schemes. On April 16, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is holding its inaugural North-East Renaissance Awards.

The awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of those who have helped transform the way people live and work in our region.

We are pleased to sponsor the Building of the Year Award and hope that this event, as well as paying homage to those dedicated to improving our region, will encourage others in the design of future schemes.

Planning applications

Ward: Dene

Applicant: University of Northumbria

Proposal: Construction of footpath with footbridge between university and sports pitches at Coach Lane at land to south of Coach Lane Campus, Coach Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear.

Ward: Jesmond

Applicant: McArdles Solicitors

Proposal: Conversion from offices to seven self contained flats (Class C3), alterations to elevations and provision of two parking spaces at Newcastle City Council, 81 Jesmond Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear

Ward: Jesmond

Applicant: The Royal Grammar School

Proposal: Erection of three-storey performing arts centre comprising plant room, office, stores and archives at lower ground level, music rooms, theatre, changing rooms, WC facilities, drama studio, office and practice rooms at ground floor and classrooms language suite, changing/ shower facilities and bridge link to main building at first floor level at Royal Grammar School, Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear

Ward: Sandyford

Applicant: Opal Property Group Ltd. Proposal: Erection of 12- storey building to provide student accommodation (total 457 bedspaces) including at lower ground floor an electricity sub station, 12 car parking spaces and 20 cycle parking spaces; and at ground floor, refuse storage, laundry, management office, reception, common room and a further 10 car parking spaces at Newcastle City Council, Camden Street Car Park, Camden Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Ward: Acomb

Proposal: Conversion of farm buildings into four residential properties with associated car parking and provision of bin stores at Riding Farm, The Riding, Acomb, Hexham, Northumberland

Ward: Longhorsley

Applicant: Mr & Mrs R Penman.

Proposal: Outline planning permission - Demolition/relocation of existing buildings and erection of four self-catering cottage bungalows at land south of The Hollies, West Road, Longhorsley

Ward: Ulgham

Applicant: Mr & Mrs G McKay. Proposal: Demolition of existing cottage known as Birchbeck and erection of three detached dwellings at Birchbeck, Ulgham Grange, Ulgham